Insect sting allergy
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Insect sting allergy is the term commonly given to the allergic response of an animal in response to the bite or sting of an insect. Typically, insects which generate allergic responses are either stinging insects (wasps, bees, hornets and ants) or biting insects (mosquitoes, ticks). Stinging insects inject venom into their victims, whilst biting insects normally introduce anti-coagulants into their victims.
The great majority of insect allergic animals just have a simple allergic response - a reaction local to the sting site which appears as just a swelling arising from the release of histamine and other chemicals from the body tissues near to the sting site. The swelling, if allergic, can be helped by the provision of an anti-histamine ointment as well as an ice pack. This is the typical response for all biting insects and many people have this common reaction to one extreme or another.
Mosquito allergy may result in a collection of symptoms called Skeeter Syndrome that occur after a bite. This syndrome may be mistaken for an infection such as cellulitis.
In anaphylactic patients the response is more aggressive leading to a systemic reaction where the response progresses from the sting site around the whole body. This is potentially something very serious and can lead to anaphylaxis which is potentially life threatening.[citation needed]
Venom Immunotherapy is a course of treatment which is now well established in North America and Europe[citation needed] and offers patients with a systemic allergic response a considerable reduction in the level of their allergic response.[citation needed]
Epidemiology of Stinging Insect Reactions
The majority of individuals who receive a sting from an insect experience local reactions. It is estimated that 5-10% of individuals will experience a generalized systemic reaction that can involve symptoms ranging from hives to wheezing and even anaphylaxis. In the United States approximately 40 people die each year from anaphylaxis due to stinging insect allergy. Potentially life-threatening reaction occur in 3% of adults and 0.4-0.8% of children.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ Golden DBK. Epidemiology of allergy to insect venoms and stings. Allergy Proc 1989;10:103-7
- Golden DBK. Epidemiology of allergy to insect venoms and stings. Allergy Proc 1989;10:103-7
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